(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) –A new institution called Sri Lanka Islands Development Authority will be established with the aim of developing the small islands around the country and using them more effectively for the country’s economy, Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Urban Development and Housing said.
The Minister also said the cabinet paper for the establishment of the Sri Lanka Island Development Authority will be submitted to the cabinet soon.
The Minister pointed out that there are more than 60 islands around the country and developing this group of islands and using to attract tourist, they can be used more effectively for the economy of the country.
He also states that although the economic potential of the islands located in many countries of the world has been evaluated, the economic potential of the small islands around Sri Lanka has not been properly evaluated so far.
The minister also expressed confidence that the construction of hotels such as water bungalows in island countries like in the Maldives would increase the potential to attract local and foreign tourists.
Therefore, Urban Development and Housing Minister points out that the physical and social infrastructure of those islands should be developed according to a proper plan. But the minister also says that no such program has been implemented in the country so far.
“Currently, our country is facing an economic crisis. Therefore, solutions to those crises can be found by developing the islands around the country and using them more effectively for the economy,” Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga further states.
